The Best Day Trips From Tel Aviv (With Map)

Looking for the best day trips from Tel Aviv? You’re in the right place!

After many trips to Israel, plus living there for 2 years (including 1.5 years in TLV), I have a lot of suggestions for the best day trips from Tel Aviv! When I worked at a hostel in Tel Aviv, this was probably the most-asked question I got.

Here are my top 3 day trips from Tel Aviv:

• Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea & Qumran
• Eilat
• Bet She’arim & Tel Zippori (Sepphoris)

Israel is only about the size of New Jersey, but there is so much packed into this country that it’s perfect for day and weekend trips from Tel Aviv, from the desert, to the Dead Sea, to Northern and Central Israel, to religious sites and so much more!

Map of The Best Day Trips From Tel Aviv, Israel

Best Day Trips From Tel Aviv: The Dead Sea Region (Southern Israel)

This area can be visited in one day, and includes the Dead Sea, Masada, Ein Gedi, and Qumran!

1. The Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is the lowest spot on earth, and you float in the sea without trying! You can also put the mud on your skin for amazing benefits, just like a spa. Also, the extremely high levels of salt in the Dead Sea have therapeutic benefits.

2. Masada

Masada is a fortress and National Park site originally built by King Herod, and later used by an extreme group of Jewish rebels until the Romans built a siege ramp to the top. Josephus wrote about it and you’ll learn more when you go! It’s a large archaeological site and you can hike at sunrise or take the cable car.

3. Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi is a National Park site site mentioned in the Bible that is known for its hiking, nature, waterfalls and archaeology. You can find a Chalcolithic-period temple here, as well as an ancient synagogue. Then, hike to the waterfall! Just make sure to bring water, sunscreen and a hat to all sites.

4. Qumran

Qumran is where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found. There’s a museum, and you can see the settlements of the religious group that lived here and wrote the scrolls. As you drive through this area, you’ll see the caves up on the hills.

Here’s my top recommendation for a guided tour for a day trip in this area:

👉 This full-day tour of Masada and the Dead Sea takes you in an air-conditioned vehicle from Tel Aviv to the foot of Masada, where you’ll take the cable car to the top and explore! You’ll also pass the Khan Al-Hatruri – The Good Samaritan Inn, explore Ein Gedi and pass by Qumran before going to float in the Dead Sea!

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Ovidiu_C:
“Definitely worth it! Great day trip from Tel Aviv. Left early in the morning and we got back around 5pm. More than enough as we did a lot. Stopped in the desert first which was an experience on it’s own. Then the Dead Sea, which is interesting to say the least. After that lunch and Masada. Very beautiful scenery everywhere we went. Our guide, Tomer, was very friendly and extremely funny. Great atmosphere the whole trip. Gave us information on everything and answered every question we had. To sum up the trip in one word, Sababa!!”

🚐 Learn More About this Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv Here

Best Day Trips From Tel Aviv: Negev Desert Sites (Southern Israel)

The Negev desert is really something special. If you have time, you can even camp out here at night because the view of the stars is unparalleled.

Note: It’s best to visit this region when it’s not the rainy season, because flash floods in the Red Canyon are dangerous.

Here are some places to see in the Negev region:

5. Timna Park

Timna Park is a site in the Negev Desert, about 17 miles, or 25km north of Eilat. It’s known for its archaeology, history and geology as well as activities for travelers!

There’s a lake here with activities like pedal boats and crafts, as well as Mount Timna, the first copper mine in the world. You can get day tours from Eilat to Timna to see the mines and shafts, ancient smelting furnaces from Egypt, and more with interactive exhibits.

You can also find Solomon’s Pillars here, which are sandstone columns from volcanic magma; hiking trails for all levels; wildlife and nature; hiking and a restaurant.

6. Red Canyon

Red Canyon – amazing rock formations to hike through just 20 minutes north of Eilat, and free to enter! Take the green trail for families and easy hiking, with a river and creek. The black trail is a bit harder, and takes you into a second creek and to a large rock, into the Red Canyon, which takes around 1.5 hours to hike.

7. Makhtesh Ramon (Ramon Nature Reserve)

Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon). You can hike, drive or bike here, and visit the museum in Mitzpe Ramon about the astronaut Ilan Ramon and the crater, which is the world’s largest erosion crater at 500 meters deep. You can see the crater from the museum and outside of it and get amazing views!

People also love to camp here at the Be’erot campground to see the stars!

Ramon Nature Reserve is made up of the crater, which makes the largest national park in Israel.

8. Eilat

Eilat is a popular beach resort town that is also a port city where many Israelis go on vacation! There are spas, parties, nice hotels, water sports and plenty of beaches here, and it rarely rains throughout the entire year, with the temperature also staying warmer than most of the country in the winter.

People come here to waterski, snorkel, dive and more in the Red Sea. There’s also a Coral World Underwater Observatory, one of just four in the entire world, where you can see the coral reef from indoors.

More activities in Eilat include:

• Bird watching
• Swimming with dolphins
• Rappelling on cliffs of the desert mountains, hiking and mountain biking
• Nearby Timna Park
• Hai Bar wildlife reserve
• Challenging hike up to the Byzantine monastery of Santa Katerina on Mt. Sinai

🚐 Get a Shuttle from Tel Aviv to Eilat by Clicking Here

Here’s my top recommendation for a guided day tour from Tel Aviv to the Negev:

👉 This Timna Park Jeep Tour Adventure is a great excursion from Eilat on a day trip from Tel Aviv! You’ll get to ride in a jeep in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Timna, with ancient rock formations, King Solomon’s mine, Solomon Pillars, ancient inscriptions and copper mines!

You’ll also stop for Bedouin tea!

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Angela_G:
“Alex was a great tour guide. He was knowledgeable in answering questions and showing us the highlights of Timna Park with a combination of riding in a jeep and light walking/climbing/small tunnel. The customer service was great and the tour is recommended.”

🚐 Learn More About this Timna Park Jeep Tour Adventure Here

9. Ein Avdat

Ein Avdat (En Avdat) is a canyon that was carved from the Tsin Stream, which is located at the foot of Midreshet Ben Gurion. There are three springs and a natural area with ibex, the En Avdat waterfall, and the En Ma’arif lookout point.

There are also Byzantine period remains of monks using the caves in this area for seculsion.

Visit in the winter to see the poplar trees with yellow colors!

Best Day Trips From Tel Aviv: Haifa Region (Northern Israel)

10. Zikhron Ya’akov

Zikhron Ya’akov is located on Mount Carmel, near Haifa, and is known for its wine.

Historically, the town was started in 1882 by Jewish pioneers from Romania. In 1885, the first winery in Israel was founded here, called the Carmel Winery, along with a bottling factory. Carmel winery remains one of the best in Israel.

Aside from the winery, Zikhron Ya’akov also has Pavo Microbrewery, Ramat HaNadiv gardens, shopping and cafes to be found here for a chill day trip from Tel Aviv!

Here’s my top recommendation for a guided day tour of Wine in Northern Israel:

👉 This Private Wine Tour of Northern Israel will take you to the best of Israel’s wine country, in the Galilee and Golan Heights regions! You can choose to customize your own tour or pick a pre-arranged itinerary, and visit a handful of boutique wineries with wine tastings and education.

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Marcel_M:
“A wonderful experience. Each winery was unique and interesting. Our tour guide was delightful, providing thoughtful insight to the region and to the history of Israel. Highly recommend!”

🚐 Learn More About this Private Wine Tour of Northern Israel Here

11. Caesarea National Park

Caesarea (Caesarea Maritima) is a National Park site located in-between Tel Aviv and Haifa, and is a major historic site that was built by Herod. It’s known for its amphitheater, palace remains and other historically significant artifacts, including a shipwreck.

12. Haifa

I also lived in Haifa, Israel, and there’s plenty to see here to make for a full day trip (or more)! From the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Bahai Gardens, to the Haifa trail, the street art, museums and more, there are a number of must-see spots here.

And, it’s just a short train ride from Tel Aviv!

Some of the best spots in Haifa:

• Ein Hod (Artists’ Village)
• Bahai Gardens
• Haifa Trail
• Mt Carmel
• Museums
• German Colony
• Restaurants & Nightlife

Here’s my top recommendation for a guided day tour from Tel Aviv to Caesarea & Haifa:

👉 This Caesarea and Haifa Private Tour from Tel Aviv includes round-trip transportation for a full-day tour of Haifa, Caesarea and the Baha’i Gardens with a professional art historian!

You’ll also get to see the Stella Maris Lighthouse and Carmelite Monastery, plus The German Colony in Haifa.

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from A Tripadvisor Reviewer:
“My twenty- four year old daughter and I visited Tel Aviv last week. Levi was our tour guide for two days. Levi was extremely knowledgable (wrote two books on the history of Israel), answered ALL our questions (which were too many to count) and we learned a tremendous amount from him. He tailored our tours to our interests and we couldn’t have been more pleased with our time with Levi. Eternal thanks Levi for your time with us. You showed us the real Tel Aviv, Caesarea and Haifa and made us want to come back!”

🚐 Learn More About this Caesarea and Haifa Private Tour from Tel Aviv Here

13. Akko (Acre) Old City

Also called Acre, Akko is located in Northern Israel not far from Haifa. It’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited towns on the planet, and there is no end to the charm you’ll find here!

Between the old city, the fortress where you can get a tour, the restaurants and the sea, this could be an entire day trip on its own.

14. Rosh Hanikra

Also spelled Rosh Haniqra, this spot is right on Israel’s border with Lebanon. It’s a site filled with grottos you can explore. You take a cable car into the grottos and you’re free to wander around to your heart’s content! This area is absolutely gorgeous.

Here’s my top recommendation for a guided day tour from Tel Aviv to Akko, Rosh Haniqra and more:

👉 This Caesarea, Rosh Hanikra and Acre Day Trip from Tel Aviv includes more than just those two sites, and adds some of the other best day trip spots from Tel Aviv into one day!

You’ll visit:

• Rosh Hanikra grottos
• Caesarea Port, with amazing archaeological remains
• Haifa’s Baha’i Gardens
• Acre (Akko) Crusader Citadel, Tunnels & City Market

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Joyce_h:
“Jam packed day of touring up North!!! Bus picked us up at our hotel at the exact time given and we were taken to location to change to our respective buses for our tour. Bus was brand new, comfortable and spacious. Avi our tour guide was informative and knowledgeable. Our first stop was Caesarea’s National Park and the history was so interesting!!! Then off to the Bahai Gardens for some photo ops; only able to photograph from above or below. We did not enter gardens, but I knew that we wouldn’t. Next, Rosh Hanikra and finally the city of Akko. Here we stopped for lunch (Wish they added that to the description) which was an additional cost. Was a long day, but great to do on tour so we didnt have to drive and were able to look at the countryside. Bus driver also wonderful handling turns and traffic with a large bus with ease!!”

🚐 Learn More About this Caesarea, Rosh Hanikra and Acre Day Trip from Tel Aviv Here

Best Day Tours From Tel Aviv: Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) Region (Northern Israel)

The Galilee is more of a region, and you could definitely spend more days than one here! Here are just a few of the sites you can see around the Sea of Galilee on a day trip:

15. Mt. Arbel National Park & Nature Reserve

Mt. Arbel is a mountain in the Lower Galilee, close to Tiberias and looking out on the Sea of Galilee. There are amazing views of the Galilee and Golan Heights, including Mt Hermon.

There are fantastic hiking trails here, some with handholds in the steep cliffs to make it extra adventurous! There is also archaeology here, as well as the only place where base jumping is allowed in the country.

16. Boat ride on the Sea of Galilee & The Jesus Boat Museum

This is one of the activities most Christian tours do in Israel, but it’s also fun to go out of the Sea of Galilee in a boat, and to learn about the “Jesus Boat”, an ancient boat that was discovered on accident, retrieved and preserved in the museum!

17. Bet She’an & Gan HaShlosha

Bet She’an is the best preserved Roman city in Israel and definitely worth a visit, because it’s one of the oldest, most impressive and largest archaeological sites in the country. It’s also called Scythopolis, Tel Beit Shean, Tel el-Husn, Tel el-Hosn, Beisan, and Nysa.

The site was originally settled as early as 6000 years ago in the Chalcolithic era and was continuously settled since then. You can see the tall mound where more than 20 layers have been excavated, included Canaanite remains, Egyptian occupation remains, Israelite remains and Philistines.

Nearby, you can swim in naturally formed spring pools including Nahal HaKibbutzim and Sachne, or Gan HeShlosha National Park – I swam there and it’s like a giant swimming pool!

Here are even more things to find in this park:

• Tower and Stockade site
• Museum of Regional and Mediterranean Archaeology
• Reconstructed flour mill
• Settlement Bell Garden
• Israeli orchard

18. Tiberias

From the tomb of Maimonides to many other ancient and medieval Jewish sites, Hamei Tveria hot springs and more, Tiberias could be a day or more in and of itself.

Tiberias was built up around mineral hot springs as a spa in Roman times. Hammat is a nearby town with a popular spa and the hottest mineral springs in Israel. You can also find a unique ancient synagogue here built in 341 with a mosaic floor that has nude human figures, which normally isn’t seem in synagogues.

19. Capernaum, Korazim & Churches

• Capernaum city and Synagogue
• Mt. of the Beatitudes
• Church of the Beatitudes
• Church of the Multiplication (Tabgha Church of the Loaves and Fish)
• Korazim National Park & Archaeological Site (where I photographed everything for conservation for my internship)

20. Nahal Tavor (Tabor Stream)

Nahal Tavor is located in the Lower Galilee and feeds into the Jordan River. There’s a moderate-level circular hiking trail that takes you through a basalt canyon, green hills and seasonal flowers.

Tabor Stream begins in Nazareth and runs east and south of Mount Tabor. Then, it turns towards the east to empty into the Jordan River, between Belvoir Fortress and Gesher.

Here’s what you can see in this area:

• Ein Rechesh, Ein Ze’ev, and Ein Shachal Springs
• Basalt Canyon
• Tel Rekhesh, an archaeological site thought to be Anaharath (town that is mentioned in the description of one of Thutmose III’s campaigns and in Joshua 19:19)
• Nature reserve with flora and fauna

Here are my top recommendations for guided day tours from Tel Aviv to Galilee, Tiberias and more:

👉 This Nazareth, Tiberias, and Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Tel Aviv takes you to biblical sites from the New Testament including the Church of the Annunciation, Jesus’ childhood home, the Church of St. Joseph, Capernaum, TIberias, the Jordan River and more! This one is best if you want to be baptized in the Jordan River.

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Noellee_W:
“Ziv was an AMAZING tour guide and Guy was an AWESOME driver. What an educational excursion! Ziv is full of knowledge and was so patient with all the questions everyone had. I definitely recommend this excursion.”

🚐 Learn More About this Nazareth, Tiberias, and Sea of Galilee Day Trip from Tel Aviv Here

👉 This Galilee Highlights Full-Day Trip from Tel Aviv picks up from hotels in Herzliya and includes passing by Megiddo, visiting the Mt. of Precipice Lookout Point, Nazareth, Church Of Annunciation, St. Joseph’s Church, Mount Of Beatitudes, Tiberias, Capernaum and more sites!

Check out this 5-star review from A Tripadvisor Reviewer:
“Being a travel professional, I’ve taken many groups to this beautiful area and the Sea Of Galilee is always a highlight. Take the boat ride and experience the beauty of the area, also quite peaceful. Nazareth is a busy, but fascinating town with many sites to see.”

🚐 Learn More About this Galilee Highlights Full-Day Trip from Tel Aviv Here

Best Day Trips From Tel Aviv: The Golan Heights Region (Northern Israel)

This is another amazing region of Israel where you could easily spend a few days exploring! Here are some ideas for day trips from Tel Aviv to the Golan Heights:

21. Mt Bental

Mt. Bental is a dormant volcano with amazing panoramic views of the Golan and Syria, plus bunkers you can tour from the Yom Kippur War. There’s also a coffee shop at the top, called Coffee Anan (a pun for “Coffee of the Clouds” and the UN leader), outdoor art installations and more!

22. Mt. Hermon

Mt. Hermon is the highest peak in Israel and even has a ski resort that’s open in the winter! You can hike here all year and enjoy amazing views from the top, and get away from the summer heat since it’s cooler with the elevation and there are usually snowy areas even in the summer.

The ski lift also operates year-round if you don’t want to hike. In the summer, entry is free and there are free tours from the Nature Reserves Authority, including a jeep tour.

More things to see here include:

• Har Habtarim, known as the spot where God promised Abraham the land. You can see an ancient tomb here with oak trees.
• Lead quarries used for ancient kohl eye makeup, near the summit of Har Kahal
• Druze hospitality center in Ein Kinya village
• Picnic spot near the tomb of Nebi Hazuri, as well as an art gallery and workshop and Habokrim Restaurant
• Summer berry picking at Moshav Sha’al
• Nimrod Fortress – at the bottom of Mt. Hermon, this is the oldest castle from the Middle Ages in Israel.
• Hermon Stream Nature Reserve/Caesarea Philippi: Temple of Pan, Agrippa’s Palace, Banias Waterfall
• Tel Dan Archaeological Site & Nature Preserve

I dug at Tel Dan and hiked around the waterfalls and Caesarea Philippi, and I highly recommend this area!

23. Hamat Gader Hot Springs & Spa

Hamat Gader hot springs and spa is located in the Southern Golan Heights, in the  Yarmouk Valley, and boasts an air-conditioned campsite and spa hotel, hot springs with mineral properties, water world and splash pool, multiple restaurants, and the only crocodile farm in the Middle East!

There are also ancient archaeological sites, specifically the remains of the Roman hot spring here, which is really cool to check out while you’re there!

24. Kurlender Dairy Farm at Beit Hillel

I visited the Kurlender Dairy Farm at Beit Hillel while staying onsite during the Tel Dan dig, and I highly recommend it! We got to see the cows and how the milk is made, and there are plenty of tastings to enjoy as well.

25. Qatsrin (Katzrin)

Qatsrin (or Katzrin) National Park is an archaeological site that has ruins from the time of Herod the Great, through the Talmudic era at Katzrin Park, with a synagogue, houses, wine and olive oil production and more.

You can see even more artifacts in The Golan Archaeological Museum, with Byzantine-era churches and synagogues, as well as an audiovisual presentation with the story of the revolt of the Jewish town of Gamla against the Romans.

More things to see here include:

• Golan Heights Winery
• Golan Brewery, an award-winning brewery in the Golan Magic Complex
• Golan Heights Distillery, which produces whiskey, gin, absinthe, and arak
• Eden Springs Park
• Gamla Nature Reserve and Majrase Nature Reserve with hiking opportunities
• Bell Ofri farm animal refuge and petting zoo

Here are my top recommendations for guided day tours from Tel Aviv to the Golan Heights and more:

👉 This Golan Heights Day Trip from Tel Aviv includes Galilee and Golan sites! You’ll visit the Jordan River’s baptismal site, Hammat Gader, Ancient Katzrin Village and Synagogue, Mount Bental the Quneitra Valley and the Museum of Antiquities in the Golan.

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Lyno_L:
“There was around 2 hours travel with beautiful scenery along the way. We stopped at the place where it is near 3 borders of Israel, Jordan and Syria. We learned the history of it. We saw the beautiful view of Galilea Sea with city of Tiberias. Continued our journey to Katzrin Village. It was a lovely place to understand how the settlement lived in the past. The last stop after lunch is Mt. Bental, we learned a lot from the tour guide from the volcano was formed and the border to Syria. As said, it is a rare wonderful experience. Highly recommended.”

🚐 Learn More About this Golan Heights Day Trip from Tel Aviv Here

👉 This Golan Heights Private Tour from Tel Aviv includes visits to Nimrod Fortress National Park (which is super fun to explore and photograph), the volcanic lake Ram, Mount Bental, Ancient Katzrin Village and Synagogue, and the Oz 77 Memorial plus passing by other sites on the drive!

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from A Tripadvisor Reviewer:
“My son and I had a wonderful time seeing the beautiful Golan with Levi… My son absolutely loved focusing on modern history rather than ancient and thought this was his best day in Israel. Levi loves Israel and teaching about it and it shows. Highly recommend spending time touring with him!”

🚐 Learn More About this Golan Heights Private Tour from Tel Aviv Here

26. Nazareth

Known for being the town where Jesus lived, Nazareth is the location of a lot of churches. You should definitely hike the Jesus trail here and visit Mount Precipice (where I’m standing above in the photo).

You can also venture out to find Qafzeh Cave – but when I went, we couldn’t actually cross this large valley to get in, and we had to walk over a trash dump (Nazareth is notorious for trash and litter).

27. Zippori (or Tzipori, or Sepphoris) National Park

Another site where I’ve excavated and photographed with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, Tel Zippori is a huge archaeological site that you will absolutely love!

It’s known for the “Mona Lisa of Israel”, which is one of the many, many Mosaics here (it’s not the one pictured). There are just so many things to discover here, from the city, to the unique synagogue, to the tower with views, to the extensive water system and aqueducts – just please, go visit if you get the opportunity!

28. Bet Shearim & Amphorae Winery

I photographed every inch of every snaking, winding and bug-filled tomb system and UNESCO World Heritage site – and this is another one of Israel’s hidden gems that you need to visit if you love exploring – and for sure if you want to feel like Indiana Jones!

Bet Shearim’s tombs are from the 2nd Temple Period. People from all over the world came to be buried here because Rabbi Judah HaNasi, who lived in Zippori, was buried here (his tomb is one of the biggest you can tour).

The tombs have all kinds of inscriptions, curses and carvings, some simple and some really amazing.

The Zippori region is also known for its wineries – Amphorae Winery is a great one to visit!

29. Belvoir Fortress (Kokhav Hayarden, or Jordan Star National Park)

Kokhav Hayarden is another site where I returned for a number of days to photograph every inch of every wall, and I soaked up every minute of my time here, because O.M.G. is it gorgeous!!

You get the most amazing views here, and the fortress itself is extensive – it’s one of the best preserved Crusader fortresses in Israel. You’ll need to rent a car to drive here, or get a driver to one of the train stations or direct – then, there is a winding mountain to drive up to the top (but trust me, you’ll be rewarded with these views)!

30. Tel Dor National Park

Tel Dor is an archaeological site on the coast – I would always see it from the train when going from Haifa to Tel Aviv and back! There’s an amazing view (especially at sunset).

Tel Dor is an ancient port city, and there’s archaeological excavations on land and in the water, where over 20 shipwrecks have been found! There’s also a marine reserve here.

It’s free to enter this park, but bathing is prohibited.

Here’s what to see at Tel Dor on a day trip from Tel Aviv:

• The Mizgaga Museum, Museum of Archaeology and Glass (entrance fee and by reservation only). The glass factory (mizgaga in Hebrew) was built in 1891 for wine bottles.
• Ancient remains of the city of Dor
• Walking trails for all levels, including an accessible trail to Tel Dor
• A view from Tel Dor of the Mediterranean and Carmel coast, plus more lookouts
• The Ridge trail
• Dor Beach
• HaBonim Beach Nature Reserve via a marked trail

31. Tel Taninim (Crocodile Stream)

Tel Taninim is a lesser-known, off the beaten path archaeological site in Israel. It translates to “Crocodile Mound” (because Nile crocodiles used to live there), and is located on the Tanninim River in the area of Jisr az-Zarka, an Arab town in Israel.

It’s not the best preserved, but there are Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine remains. There’s a bridge and some mosaics you can find as you explore here.

Best Day Trips From Tel Aviv: The Center of Israel

32. Tel Afek (or Afeq, or Antipatris) & Yarkon National Park in the Ein Afek Nature Reserve

Tel Afek is one of my all-time favorites. It’s where we stored supplies from our dig at Tel Gezer, where the Israel Nature and Parks Authority has one of its offices, and I photographed literally every inch of this site for the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.

This site has many layers of history, from the Chalcolithic period, to an Egyptian complex, to the Crusader Era and everywhere in-between. It even has buildings from the British Mandate. The archaeological site, plus the views and the Nature Reserve, are definitely worth a visit!

33. Jerusalem

Jerusalem day trips from Tel Aviv are a must! Jerusalem is the intersection of major world religions, and the history and archaeology date back to ancient times – there is just so much to see and discover here!

Here’s what I recommend to not miss on a Jerusalem day trip from Tel Aviv:

• City of David
• The Four Quarters
• Western Wall and underground tunnel tour
• Dome of the Rock
• Jerusalem Ramparts Walk
• The Old City and Church of the Holy Sepulchre
• Mt. of Olives
• Carmel Market

Here are my top recommendations for guided day trips from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and more:

👉 This Underground Jerusalem Tour covers many of my favorite spots, including the Western Wall Tunnels, Hezekiah’s Tunnel/Siloam Tunnel and the City of David, and more! Then, you’re free to explore the Old City on your own.

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Sandra_P:
“Saw things I had no clue existed. I would have never found this myself. He is VERY knowledgeable, funny and friendly. Very well organized, unique and interesting experience”

🚐 Learn More About this Underground Jerusalem Tour Here

👉 This Day trip from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and Dead Sea is perfect if you’re short on time and want to see the Dead Sea and the Old City of Jerusalem in one day!

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Harrison_H:
“A long day that covers the essential parts of Jerusalem and the Dead Sea. A must do for anyone visiting Tel Aviv. Our guide Udi was full of knowledge and humour. Overall very enjoyable.”

🚐 Learn More About this Day trip from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem and Dead Sea Here

34. Ashkelon & Ashkelon Beach, Tel Azekah & Elah Valley Day Trip

These have archaeological sites plus a beach, so you can easily make a day trip out of this.

👉 Ashkelon

Ashkelon is a Nature & Parks site that was excavated by schools like Harvard, and is known for the Canaanite Gate that is extremely well preserved. It’s super close to the beach, so you can tour the site and then go get some sun and waves!

👉 Azekah

I excavated with Tel Aviv University at Azekah. The site is not built up for tourists, but if you’re interested in going to biblical archaeological sites, you can make a stop here – or, if you want, see if you can volunteer for the excavation in the summer season!

👉 Elah Valley

The Elah Valley includes:

• Tell es-Safi, also known as Tel Gath or Gat, is another archaeological tel, or mound, where the story of David and Goliath allegedly took place.
• Tel Azekah, where I’ve excavated and Tel Aviv University excavates every summer (find out how to volunteer here!)
• Khirbet Qeiyafa archaeological site
• Bet Shemesh (salvage dig near here)
• Socoh

35. Bet Guvrin (Maresha) National Park Day Trip

Bet Guvrin is a Nature & Parks Site that is known for its Bell Caves. There are also tombs, an amphitheater, a church, mosaics and more here.

Here’s my top recommended guided day tour from Tel Aviv to Bet Guvrin:

👉 This Bet Guvrin and Soreq Stalactite Cave Private Tour includes Soreq Stalactite Cave National Park and Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park, where you’ll visit caves, a Roman amphitheater, the Crusades Church, Bell Caves and more!

🚐 Learn More About this Bet Guvrin and Soreq Stalactite Cave Private Tour Here

36. Apollonia National Park (Tel Arsuf)

Apollonia National Park is a 13th century fortress site located in Herzliya, and you’ll need to reserve your visit. It’s an archaeological site by the shore. I’ve been here and definitely recommend it!

Here’s what to see at Apollonia National Park:

• Moat from Crusader times
• Roman seaside villa from the 1st century CE that overlooks the sea
• Crusader fortress with European architecture
• Coastal path
• Glass furnace from Byzantine times, at the park entrance
• Sidna Ali Mosque
• Dinosaur House

37. Ein Prat Nature Preserve (Wadi Kelt)

Ein Prat Nature Preserve is a beautiful spring that flows into a natural rock pool located within a desert canyon. It served in ancient times as a source of water to Jericho, and there was a Hasmonean period aqueduct as well as later aqueducts and a flour mill.

Here is more of what to see here:

• Faran Monastery
• A cliff for climbing and rappelling
• Tamar Pool
• Picnic area
• Hurvat Alamit, an archaeological site identified with the Levite town of Almon (Joshua 21:18), remains from the Bar Kochba revolt, the tomb of Sheikh Abed al-Salam and more
• Hiking

38. More Shephelah Sites

You can continue exploring more archaeological sites in the Shephelah region of Israel, including some of my favorites (because I’ve excavated in these):

• Tel Hadid
• Tel Gezer

39. Yafo (Jaffa) Port

I love Yafo so much, I lived here – it’s one of my favorite spots on earth. Besides that, it’s basically in Tel Aviv. The thing to know when you go to Tel Aviv is that there’s basically one large city area, but as you travel from one end to the other, there are actually different cities.

Definitely spend the most of your time in Yafo Port – the old city and the beach. It’s so beautiful and unique, and it’s a UNESCO World Heritage city! Plus, you can catch the flea market on weekends and performers down at the port area!

Make sure (100%) to eat at The Old Man and the Sea.

Explore the old city and shop, find the art galleries, and more. This post on Tel Aviv and Yafo has more thorough tips on where to go, what to see and where to eat!

Here’s my top recommendation for a guided tour in Yafo:

👉 This small group Tour of Historic Yafo with Neve Tzedek & HaTachana is a 3-hour day tour that includes Neve Tzedek, the cultural center “Suzan Dallal”, Tachana (the old railway station that has shops and restaurants), and Jaffa, including the clock tower, the Ottoman structure and more of the old city!

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from ALFRED_L:
“I am so happy I booked this tour. I hesitated booking this because it seemed a little pricey for territory covered and hours. It ended up being the most in depth and satisfying tour yet. It brought all the other tours together as the guide explained modern Tel Aviv’s development in the context of history and religion. Jaffa was a real treat for the senses and also full of history. The best part was the small in small tour. We had all our questions answered. What a delight to have a tour that didn’t stick to the vanilla script and have questions fully answered”

🚐 Learn More About this small group Tour of Historic Yafo with Neve Tzedek & HaTachana Here

40. Kibbutz Tours from Tel Aviv

Kibbutzim are communal living areas that were part of the foundation of modern-day Israel. They look a bit different today, but they still exist and many even have waiting lists for people who want to get in.

There are many kibbutzim where you can book tours, including Ma’agan Michael Kibbutz and Beit Hillel, the Moshav where Kurlender Dairy Farm (mentioned earlier) is located.

41. West Bank Sites for Day Trips

The West Bank sites to check out on a day trip from Tel Aviv include Bethlehem, Herodium and Jericho.

👉 Bethlehem

Bethlehem is the town where Jesus was born, and you can see the Church of the Nativity where it is thought to have happened. You can easily do a day trip to Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv, like this one!

If you go at Christmastime, there are celebrations you can see as well.

👉 Herodium (Herodion) National Park

Herodium was built by Herod, much like Masada, as a residence. But these places are so much more than residences, of course. There are all kinds of archaeological remains to be discovered here, including a theater and bathhouse!

👉 Jericho

Jericho is another biblical site where you can go and see the extensive archaeological remains. It’s the oldest city in the world, and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It’s also by the Jordan River, which you can also see as part of your visit.

👉 St. George’s Monastery

This monastery is really cool to see – it’s built into a cliff!

Here are my top recommendations for guided day tours from Tel Aviv to the West Bank sites:

👉 This Bethlehem Half Day Guided Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv combines transport in an air-conditioned vehicle and walking to fit more into your day trip! You’ll visit:

• The Church of the Nativity
• Milk Grotto
• Shepherd’s Sanctuary
• Cave of St. Jerome
• The Church of St. Catherine
• Blessings Gift Shop and The Olive Wood Factory

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Dee_L:
“Fabulous tour! Pick up was early and the meeting hotel was easy to get to. Elias M. E. Abu AlZuluf was the guide. He was funny, knew the area and was knowledgeable. Ameer was our driver. He was also engaging and personable. The large van was super nice. There were 8 of us that went together and we enjoyed it very much. It is fast paced, so be prepared to be on the move. 😃 Wear comfy shoes and bring water. I would definitely recommend this tour.”

🚐 Learn More About this Bethlehem Half Day Guided Tour from Jerusalem & Tel Aviv Here

👉 This Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qasr El Yahud Day Trip from Tel Aviv includes much more than Bethlehem, adding Jericho with Zaccheus’ Tree, Mount of Temptation Monastery, Qasr al-Yahud Baptismal Site and Bethlehem sites!

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Sofia_C:
“Itamar our excellent guide made this tour unforgettable. from my experience he is one of the best guides, knowledgeable, caring ready to answer all our questions. I was really impressed with his deep knowledge of the subject.”

🚐 Learn More About this Bethlehem, Jericho, and Qasr El Yahud Day Trip from Tel Aviv Here

42. Petra

Petra, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, is in Jordan between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea. It’s also one of the 7 World Wonders!

It’s pretty easy to do a day trip from Tel Aviv to Petra and see this amazing Hellenistic architectural marvel, which is half-carved into the rock by the Nabateans.

Here’s my top recommended guided day tour from Tel Aviv to Petra:

👉 This Day Tour to Petra by Bus from Tel Aviv takes you to Petra by air-conditioned bus and back in the same day! You’ll get assistance with the border crossing and there’s an upgrade option to enter Petra by horseback.

🌟 Check out this 5-star review from Derek_H:
“Please don’t let some of the crazy reviews put you off this tour, I think those people would prefer a helicopter to drop them directly there and fly them away when they’re finished, yes it’s a long day but it’s one of the most amazing sites in the world. It was literally jaw dropping to see Petra. On the Jordan side the tour guide Kareem was so nice and helpful, I’ll never forget the day. I’m sorry this trip has gotten any bad reviews, seeing the Treasury for the first time is a sight I’ll never forget, you won’t regret it”

🚐 Check Prices for this Day Tour to Petra by Bus from Tel Aviv Here

43. Egypt

You probably want more than a day in Egypt, but you can always just go do a day trip to Cairo! You can take his Shuttle from Tel Aviv to Taba (border Egypt).

Alternatively, you can do multi-day trips from Tel Aviv to Egypt, and even include Jordan, so you can check them all off your list in one trip! This 5-Day- Israel, Jordan and Egypt From Tel Aviv is a great way to see all of these places!

🚐 Learn More About this 5-Day- Israel, Jordan and Egypt From Tel Aviv Here

Where to stay in Tel Aviv on any Budget

✅ Budget Option: Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv

Abraham Hostel is arguably the best hostel in Tel Aviv – and, it’s a chain with other locations around Israel! They also have a bar, game room, and events, plus a fantastic location around a lot of Tel Aviv hot spots.

You can book a dorm, private room, double room or apartment.

🛏️ Check Current Prices at Abraham Hostel Tel Aviv Here

✅ Mid-Tier Option: 65 Hotel Tel Aviv (an Atlas Boutique Hotel)

65 Hotel Tel Aviv is a classy boutique hotel is located on Rothschild Boulevard, which is one of the most famous and has a lot of restaurants, bars and sites to check out. The hotel’s design is part of the draw, with postcolonial and modern retro. There’s also a cafe with free breakfast, a bar where you get your first drink free, and a garden.

🛏️ Check Current Prices at 65 Hotel Tel Aviv Here

✅ Luxury Option: Royal Beach Hotel Tel Aviv (an Isrotel Hotel)

Royal Beach Hotel Tel Aviv is a luxury hotel right on the Mediterranean beachfront. There’s a bar, restaurant, pool and spa, and so much more to discover!

🛏️ Check Current Prices at the Royal Beach Tel Aviv Here

👉 Want more options for each neighborhood/area and budget? Check out this post: Where To Stay In Tel Aviv: Best Places for Every Budget (Neighborhoods, Hotels + More)

How to get around in Tel Aviv-Yafo & Israel

👉 For flights, WayAway is a flight aggregator that helps you find the cheapest flights. Use the code MUKI-TRAVELS for 10% off WayAway Plus.

👉 If you rent a car, be prepared for driving in Tel Aviv (you’ll need to be an aggressive driver!) To rent a car in Israel, Discover Cars is a great tool to use to find the best deals. Read even more about renting a car in Tel Aviv in this guide!

👉 For car service download Gett, which helps you find taxis and keeps you from getting cheated/overcharged. It’s important, because it will happen if you just get a random taxi a lot of times.

👉 Use apps Moovit for public transportation, & Waze for driving directions.

👉 For all over Israel, get a Rav Kav, the public transit card for the bus (and trains, but you have to buy the ticket at the train stations for that). You can fill it up at stations and stores around the city. If you don’t get one and fill it up outside of the bus, you’ll have to buy one for one ride on the bus, and it’s more expensive – so be sure to pick one up at the airport!

👉 Trains: There are a few major train stations, so if you’re going from one end of TLV to the other, this might be helpful if you’re near the train station. Also, some other cities, like Haifa, are not far to ride the train for a day trip, so check that out for a trip where you’re traveling around!

👉 Walking, of course is a great option! And you can rent bikes and scooters from various places around the city as well (you’ll see lots of people on electric bikes & scooters in Tel Aviv)!

🇮🇱 Book a Private Arrival Transfer From Ben Gurion Airport to Tel Aviv City Center Here

👉 Find more tips on things like travel insurance, what to pack, and more on my travel resources page.

What you’ll need for trips in Israel and Beyond

To prepare for a trip to Israel and the Middle East, the first thing to know is what time of year you’re going and to be ready for the weather.

👉 You’ll definitely need sunscreen, a hat and a good water bottle!

👉 Electrolyte packets like these for better hydration, because walking around in the sun will get to you.

👉 This towel for the beach is perfect to avoid having to rent one, and you can also use it for yoga:

🌊 Check Prices on this Microfiber Towel Here

👉 Good walking/hiking sandals like Chacos that can also get wet, so perfect for all those hikes (even in waterfalls):

🚶‍♀️ Check Prices for Chaco Hiking Sandals Here

👉 Blundstones (especially for Fall or Winter), which you’ll see most Israelis wearing:

🥾 Check Prices on Blundstone Boots

FAQs: Best Places To See Near Tel Aviv For A Day

👉 How many days do I need in Tel Aviv?

From the beaches, to the nightlife and historical sites, 2-3 days in Tel Aviv is great if you want to really explore and enjoy the city and culture and not feel rushed!

👉 How long does it take to get from Tel Aviv to Dead Sea?

It takes 2-2/12 hours by car to get from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea.

👉 Is 2 days in Tel Aviv enough?

Yes, 2 days in Tel Aviv is enough to see the main sites. If you want to continue to explore all the museums or have full beach days, you can make it longer!

👉 How many days do you need in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem?

For both Tel Aviv and Jerusalem I would suggest at least 4 days.

All In All: The Best Places To Go To Escape Tel Aviv For A Day

I hope this helps you plan all the best day trips from Tel Aviv to see more of Israel! If you’re looking for more tips on Tel Aviv and Day Trip sites, check out my related guides:

Check out these posts for more info on Israel & Middle East travel

👉 31+ Best Things To Do In Tel Aviv (With Map)
👉 Is Israel Safe For Travel? Important Advice Amidst War
👉 The best time to visit Tel Aviv
👉 8 Best Tours From Tel Aviv To Jerusalem To Check Out
👉 What To Pack For Israel In Winter (Dec-Feb)
👉 What To Pack For Israel In Spring (March-May)
👉 What To Pack For Israel In Summer (June-Sept)
👉 What To Pack For Israel In Fall (Oct-Nov)
👉 Is Tel Aviv Worth Visiting? 18 Ways To Make Your Trip Worthwhile (+ Pros & Cons)
👉 Renting A Car In Tel Aviv: Everything You Need To Know
👉 Tel Aviv to Jerusalem / Jerusalem to Tel Aviv: All You Need To Know
👉 Is Haifa Worth Visiting? 38 Ways To Make Your Trip Worthwhile (+ Pros & Cons)
👉 The Best Time To Visit Jerusalem (+ 25 Things To Do)
👉 Is Jerusalem Worth Visiting? 26 Things To Do To Make Your Trip Worthwhile (with pros & cons)
👉 Winter in Jerusalem: Weather, Things To Do + Travel Tips
👉 Jerusalem to Galilee / Galilee to Jerusalem: All You Need To Know
👉 Jordan to Jerusalem / Jerusalem to Jordan: All You Need To Know
👉 Rome to Jerusalem / Jerusalem to Rome: All You Need To Know
👉 Israel Archaeology: Volunteer On An Excavation
👉 Israel Archaeology List: learn about famous sites
👉 Israel & Palestine, and the Conflict: A Beginner’s Guide (History, Maps & Resources)
👉 The 17 Best Israel Souvenirs
👉 Top 25 Biblical Sites In Israel
👉 Captivating Scenes: A Photo Journey Through Historic Jerusalem
👉 10+ Unique and Captivating Photos of Tel Aviv, Israel
👉 The 61 Best Photography Spots In Tel Aviv
👉 Unveiling the Mysteries of Tel Gezer: A Journey Through Ancient Canaanite History

👉 Working In A Hostel: Everything You Need To Know
👉 Also check out this post on Cairo for more Middle East travel!
👉 For more International Travel guides, check out this page.